What Are Social Norms and How Do They Relate to Culture?

What Are Social Norms?

Social norms are like the invisible rules that help us know how to act in society.

They help determine what behaviors are okay and what aren't.

Think of them as social "traffic rules" that keep our interactions clear and smooth.

For example, when you meet someone, it’s normal to say "hello" and maybe shake hands or smile.

If you walked by someone without saying anything, it could be awkward or confusing.

How Culture Shapes Norms

Culture has a big impact on social norms.

Culture includes the beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors shared by a group of people.

It shapes how we see the world and how we interact with one another.

Because of this, what is considered normal in one culture might be different in another.

Cultural Differences in Social Norms

1. How We Greet Each Other:

   • In Sweden, friends often say "Hej" and might share a light hug or a friendly touch.
   • In Japan, people usually bow to show respect and politeness.
   • If someone from one culture visits another and doesn't follow these greeting customs, it can lead to confusion.

2. Eating Customs:

   • In many Western countries, using a knife and fork is standard while eating.
   • In some Asian countries, using chopsticks is the norm.
   • If someone used their hands in a fancy dinner in these countries, it could be seen as rude.

3. What to Wear:

   • In a Swedish office, wearing jeans and a t-shirt might be perfectly fine.
   • In other places, more formal clothes are expected to look professional.
   • When traveling, it's important to know the local dress rules, especially in conservative areas where showing too much skin may not be acceptable.

How We Learn Norms

We learn social norms through a process called socialization, which starts in childhood and continues as we grow up.

• Family Influence: Kids often learn their first social norms from their families. If a family values being on time, then kids will likely see being punctual as important.

• Schools and Friends: Schools and friends also help reinforce or challenge these norms. For example, kids might learn that sharing things, like school supplies, is a good behavior among friends.

• Media and Technology: Our experiences with media (like TV shows, movies, and social media) can introduce us to new behaviors and change what we consider normal. If a popular show portrays certain actions as cool, viewers might start copying those behaviors.

To Wrap It Up

In short, social norms are strong influences on how we behave, and they come from our culture.

Understanding these norms can help us get along better in different social situations and appreciate the variety of ways people interact.

By recognizing that our norms might not be the same as others’, we can become more empathetic and better adapt to new social environments.

It's all about learning, understanding, and enjoying the rich mix of cultures around us!